LabattBlue

Two games against Philly and then two more at Washington. 1-5? 0-6?

I’m going to ignore the Sabres play as I don’t want to get so angry one game into the year. One maddening thing...the removal of the ice level broadcast mics made it impossible to hear the whistles. I don’t know if this has been a problem in other games around the NHL?

Good thing there is no crowd there because it still would have been eerily quiet. Not a lot to cheer about that period.

Let’s Go!!!!!!!

I’ll be interested to see if RK’s system continues to neuter Dahlin, or will he be allowed to carry the puck more, and be a greater force in the offensive zone.

You mean practice? No actual NHL regular season games?

When Skinner is given an extended chance in the Top 6, then I will be glad to change my stance on RK. yes, my opinion of Pegula is out there, and no, I don’t expect it to really happen, but it is a frustrating waste of 9 mil in cap space as it stands today.

Normally I agree. I don’t want a meddling owner...except when your HC is an idiot and can’t see how ridiculous his handling of Skinner is...who also is the 2nd highest paid player on the team for more years than any of us want to think about.

RK is wrong in his handling is Skinner. Pegula approves Skinner’s monster contract and Pegula approved the hiring of RK. Now Pegula needs to tell RK that Skinner needs to be in the top 6, no matter what.

Not sure if this was posted, but for comparisons sake, here is last years opening night lineup... Eichel Girgensons Johansson Larsson Mittelstadt Okposo Olofsson Reinhart Sheary Sobotka Skinner Vesey Dahlin Jokiharju McCabe Risto Miller Scandella Ullmark Hutton

That would be nice...unfortunately in almost all cases, you either have a mean streak or you don’t.

Are any teams going to start the season even with a couple thousand fans?

More changes to scoring post-draft? I know changes were made to goalie stats, but now scoring stats have also been downsized? 😞

...but you also have to put players in position to succeed, and putting a very good goal scorer with scrub 4th liners is not utilizing Skinner correctly.

I know there has to be some level of buy in from the player in terms of two way play, but you’re always going to have some skill guys who aren’t great defensively. RK needs to figure it out. A $9 mil player in the bottom six in unacceptable...especially since you already are saddled with a $6 mil player also in the bottom six.

Yes. What’s the point of even having him on the roster if on the 4th line. I can’t imagine this is sitting well with him, and I don’t want a pouting player in the locker room

That was constantly debated on sister site TSW during the NFL season. I don’t think it would ever come down to forfeit. Game would either be squeezed in, or game cancelled.

With the compressed schedule, it will be impossible for a team(s) to make up more than a couple of games. The season can’t be extended because NBC doesn’t want it overlapping the Olympics. Only choice if a few teams start losing(cancelled) 5 or more games would be to go to point percentage instead of point totals.

Very sad story. I hate to see an athlete who has earned tens of millions be in a dire financial crisis. At least he is still playing, and if he can turn his life around, and get some sound financial help, maybe be in decent shape by the time he retires.

This!!! He asks a question and answers it all in one sentence, and then expects the player to just agree.

Hopefully we don't have any lame duck managers after a few weeks! 🤞

Did something change with the goalie stats after the draft? I know there is no money involved, so no big deal, but it might have changed draft strategy.

Skinner or Krueger?

😂

I can't even begin to guess what the Sabres would have to ADD in order to get a team to take on Skinner and his contract.